Another old fishing community turned tourist nexus, Newport (pop. 9,532) started in the 1860s on the strength of sweet-tasting Yaquina Bay oysters, which were in demand from San Francisco to New York City and are still available at local restaurants. Oysters, crabs, and clams, along with sea otters, sharks, and seabirds, are the stars of the show at the large and modern Oregon Coast Aquarium (daily; $12; 541/867-3474), south of Newport across the Yaquina Bay Bridge. The aquarium includes an aquatic aviary, where sea lions, tufted puffins, and other shorebirds cavort in a simulated rockbound coastal habitat, and over 40,000 square feet of similarly eco-friendly exhibits.
On the north side of the US-101 bridge over Yaquina Bay, turn onto Hubert Street and head for the bayfront, where boatyards and fish-packing plants service a working harbor. Though it’s still the state’s second-largest fishing port, much of Newport’s bayfront has been consumed by souvenir shops, a wax museum, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and other tourist traps. But you’ll find the original Mo’s (541/265-2979), a locally famous seafood restaurant, at 622 Bay Boulevard; it and its annex across the street are the area’s best dining values.
Dining options can also be found at Nye Beach, a mélange of old-fashioned beach houses and destination resorts north of the harbor; just look for signs on the western side of US-101. Don Petrie’s (541/265-3663), serves excellent Italian food at 6l3 NW 3rd Street. Nye Beach is also home to the bohemian Sylvia Beach Hotel ($80–180; 541/265-5428), 267 NW Cliff Street, the place to stay in Newport for anyone of literary bent. If you can’t afford the private rooms—with decor evocative of different authors, including a scary Edgar Allan Poe room based on “The Pit and the Pendulum”—there are dormitory bunk beds for around $25 a night. All rates include breakfast.
The very helpful Newport Information Center (800/262-7844), at 555 SW Coast Highway, has complete accommodations listings and other useful information.
